Bart opens a checking account for his share of inheritance from a long-lost aunt. He plans to get Krusty the Clown's autograph by slipping a 25-cent check into the clown's back pocket and waits for the bank to return the endorsed check. However, when Bart receives the check, it is endorsed with a stamp instead of the signature. Dismayed, he brings the check to the bank, where officials trace the endorsement and expose Krusty as one of the biggest tax cheats in history.

The IRS takes control of Krusty's assets and his show, reducing his lifestyle to that of an average citizen. One evening as the town watches, a depressed Krusty pilots his airplane into a mountainside. He is later pronounced dead.

A memorial service is held for Krusty at which ob Newhart offers his condolances. Shortly thereafter, Bart sees a man whom he recognizes as Krusty. With Lisa's help, he finds and identifies Krusty, who lives under the name Rory B. Bellows. Bart convinces Krusty that he deserves the life of respect that he once knew and urges him to drop the phony identity and return to public life. Krusty kills offf his pseudonym in order to collect the insurance premium--ending his tax woes.

Bart: Ahoy! Have you seen this man?

Captain McCallister: Darr, that's Handsome Pete. He dances for nickels. Pete! Ye Got some customers!

Pete rolls in playing his accordian and dancing. He looks like Krusty when Krusty smiles.

Lisa: No we're looking for this man, Krusty the Clown.